This section for GR only
During the Middle Ages, the city was a constantly evolving construct. Late
antique and early medieval cities often reflected their roots in the
cities of the Greeks and Romans, with their regular streets, large central
public areas, and pronounced civic and religious axis. With the invasions
of migratory tribes and the flight of their inhabitants, cities were left
to decay. Medieval cities founded after this shift reflect the changed
nexus of power, the need for military protection, the dominance of
Christianity and its institutions, and the physical demands of a market
economy. This course will examine the physical and artistic embodiment of
the medieval city in both East and West from the Late Antique period
through the late middle ages. Walls and castles, churches and
monasteries, hospitals and cemeteries, homes and public buildings, and
artworks will all be surveyed, along with the city plans that provided the
framework for experiencing life in an urban setting. Issues such as
disease, the growth of the university, and the position of women and
persecuted minorities will also be investigated. Students will have the
opportunity to investigate aspects of an historical city and present their
findings in class. Other class requirements will include mid-term and
final exams and a research paper.
This section meets with FINA A426.